The opportunity and ability to make a statement without saying a word is a rare gift. People go to great lengths to make an impression, to get people to comment -- even to point and stare in admiration.
The 2013 Audi A8 goes one step further where passersby admire, respect and know that this is not average Joe's car. The A8 comes out of the box looking the way it does and puts no effort in trying to achieve anything: it just does.
Mind you, the two times I washed the car during the week-long test did help it shine a little more.
To drive around in a 2013 Audi A8 is to sit on top of the world -- knowing it, but not needing to flaunt it. I know what you're thinking and no, I don't work for the company. The odd time you'll see an A8 on the road, you'll know it to see it and understand.
Quiet distinction
Luxury car manufacturers are currently doing an amazing job at keeping interests high on what they plan to do next. Audi is especially gifted in this department as they seemingly unleash a prototype, concept or revamped existing model, every other week.
Two years ago, it was the Audi A8's turn. The latest iteration of Audi's corporate fascia took on a new dimension and continues to be jaw-droppingly in your face. The front grille is oversized and over the top -- and perfect. From the murderously brilliant LED headlights, the car's aluminum shell calmly drifts towards the rear, wrapping around the gorgeous optional 20” wheels, ending with sharp creases around the bumper and LED taillights.
The car is gracefully intent on taking everything on.
Uniquely refined
If the shell is spectacular, the cabin is to die for. The wide-opening, power-closing doors reveal a cocoon of sumptuous luxury beyond. The first items that catch the eye are the nougat brown Valcona leather with pleated diamond-pattern covered seats. The fronts are 22-way adjustable, ventilated and have a massage function. Yes, once on them, you'll never want to get up again.
Ahead of them is a dashboard that intently wraps itself around the front occupants. The driver is privy to a strong position of command; from the “T” shaped shifter to the MMI and climate controls, they all fall properly under hand. The clever and aesthetic layout requires little adjustment time. As an added bonus, the standard Bose audio system is amazing.
There is no doubt in my mind that the 2013 Audi A8 can, and will, slay any and all fans of luxury and high-end accoutrements. If it doesn't, the underpinnings will.
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| The driver is privy to a strong position of command. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Smart power
New for the 2013 model year are the Audi A8's powertrain choices. All are interesting, but the one that makes the A8 more attainable by lowering its base retail price is the supercharged 3.0L V6. This mill, as tested in the
Audi A6 and also found in the
S4,
A7 and a few others, generates 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
Mated to the always excellent quattro AWD system and an 8-speed autobox, the 1,985-kg (4,367-lb) A8 not so much as takes off, but launches itself with zero fuss. Grip is instantaneous, and the car propels itself to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The twin-turbo 4.0L V8, which replaces the 4.2L, is good for 420 hp and gets the car to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Then, there's the upcoming 520 hp S8...
Possibly the most rewarding aspect of the drive is the powertrain's responsiveness. The slightest amount of pressure on the throttle is rewarded with spotless momentum. The transmission is just as willing to get things going. When the shifter is pushed into “S”, the good times get better.
While I'm a huge fan of flappy paddles, I must say that I don't get Audi's decision to stick with the same minute plastic paddles found in the
A3 and the A8. Seems a little cheap...
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| This mill generates 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Regal express
Once under way, the 2013 Audi A8 hovers. The big Audi's adaptive air suspension filters out most of the road surface's nastiness. I say “most” because some medium-size irregularities would harshly creep into the cabin and create a few unexpected and unfortunate rattles.
The 2013 Audi A8's servotronic, speed-sensitive steering, drive select system and huge powerful brakes all contribute to make the A8 one of the best driving full-size luxury sedans in the world. What's more, exclusivity and privilege do not come at the expense of environmental consciousness. My returned 10.5L per 100 km fuel consumption average clearly demonstrates that.
Well priced?
At $89,900, the 2013 Audi A8 3.0T is the most affordable large German luxury sedan. The
2013 BMW 740Li xDrive retails for $106,600 which is still $9,200 more than the equivalent A8L 3.0T.
The car is no bargain, but I'd have to say that at the moment the 2013 Audi A8 is the most distinctive of the flagship sedans currently available. The current BMW 7 Series is fairly recent, however, the
Mercedes S-Class is getting on in age. I suspect that the next one will set more new standards.
At the moment, the 2013 Audi A8 is king of the hill.
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